* $731 million in counter-narcotics funding for the Andean Counterdrug Initiative, including $463 million for Colombia.

* $401 million for the Peace Corps to meet the President's goal of reaching 14,000 volunteers by the end of 2007.

State Operations and Related Programs:

* $1.5 billion for security-related construction and major rehabilitation requirements of U.S. embassies and consulates.

* $659 million to increase security for diplomatic personnel and facilities in the face of terrorism.

* $836 million to improve protection of U.S. borders through the Border Security Program.

* $831 million from all funding sources to exploit information technology.

* $309 million for public diplomacy to influence foreign opinion and encourage support for U.S. foreign policy goals.

* $345 million for strategic educational and cultural exchanges.

* $1.2 billion for U.S. obligations to international organizations.

* $650 million to back UN peacekeeping missions.

(end fact sheet)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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Story Source: US Department of State

This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; Presidents - Bush; Appropriations; Budget

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